Authorities say a Tulane University student was killed at an Interstate 10 rest stop in Mississippi when two tires came loose from a passing tractor-trailer and struck her.News outlets report officials with the New Orleans school have identified the student as 21-year-old Margaret Maurer, of Forest Lake, Minnesota. Gautier police say the tractor-trailer was traveling westbound when it lost the wheels, which then crossed the eastbound lanes and entered the rest stop.Authorities say Maurer and two friends were about to get back into their vehicle when the tires hit her and two cars. The rest stop was closed while the death was investigated. It’s unclear what caused the tractor-trailer’s tires to come loose. "It’s just something I would never have fathomed happening. It’s a series of unfortunate events that led to a tragedy of this young lady losing her life," Gautier Police Capt. Casey Baxter told The New Orleans Advocate.Maurer’s mother, Tracy Nelson Maurer, described the incident that took her daughter’s life to Fox 9 as “completely random.” Maurer was a senior studying ecology and evolutionary biology. In her free time, she sold plants and crocheted items made from recycled materials at a community market. "She had a genuine love for learning that we all don't share," Professor Donata Henry said. "She was definitely a bright star in the department." Tulane officials say Maurer planned to pursue a career in scientific illustration. The university released a statement following Maurer's death, noting that it was the second fatality involving a current or former Tulane student in the past few days. Tulane Law School alumnus David Hynes was killed when a suspected drunken driver plowed into a crowd in New Orleans. "The tragic losses of these two extraordinary members of the Tulane family during what was supposed to be a time of joy and celebration are a reminder to cherish each moment and each individual. Our hearts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Meg and David," the statement concluded.

GAUTIER, Miss. —

Authorities say a Tulane University student was killed at an Interstate 10 rest stop in Mississippi when two tires came loose from a passing tractor-trailer and struck her.

News outlets report officials with the New Orleans school have identified the student as 21-year-old Margaret Maurer, of Forest Lake, Minnesota. Gautier police say the tractor-trailer was traveling westbound when it lost the wheels, which then crossed the eastbound lanes and entered the rest stop.

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Authorities say Maurer and two friends were about to get back into their vehicle when the tires hit her and two cars. The rest stop was closed while the death was investigated. It’s unclear what caused the tractor-trailer’s tires to come loose.

"It’s just something I would never have fathomed happening. It’s a series of unfortunate events that led to a tragedy of this young lady losing her life," Gautier Police Capt. Casey Baxter told The New Orleans Advocate.

Maurer’s mother, Tracy Nelson Maurer, described the incident that took her daughter’s life to Fox 9 as “completely random.”

Maurer was a senior studying ecology and evolutionary biology. In her free time, she sold plants and crocheted items made from recycled materials at a community market.

"She had a genuine love for learning that we all don't share," Professor Donata Henry said. "She was definitely a bright star in the department."

Tulane officials say Maurer planned to pursue a career in scientific illustration.

The university released a statement following Maurer's death, noting that it was the second fatality involving a current or former Tulane student in the past few days. Tulane Law School alumnus David Hynes was killed when a suspected drunken driver plowed into a crowd in New Orleans.

"The tragic losses of these two extraordinary members of the Tulane family during what was supposed to be a time of joy and celebration are a reminder to cherish each moment and each individual. Our hearts and prayers remain with the family and friends of Meg and David," the statement concluded.